FREE (or discounted) Events, Activities, Items with your Library Card

Posted on 09/07/2026

A library card from local systems like the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) or LA County Library unlocks hundreds of dollars in free museum passes, gear, streaming apps, and tools.

Free Passes & Entertainment

Museum & Zoo Passes: Use Discover & Go with your card to reserve free or discounted family passes to regional cultural sites, including general admission for up to four people to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

California State Park Pass: Check out a California State Library Parks Pass to get free vehicle day-use entry at over 200 participating state parks.

Streaming Media: Stream movies, documentaries, and kids' programming for free using apps like Kanopy and Hoopla.

E-Books & Audiobooks: Borrow digital books, graphic novels, and audiobooks instantly through the Libby app with zero late fees.

Equipment & Physical Items to Borrow

Tech & Laptops: Check out Chromebooks, Wi-Fi hotspots, or take-home tablets for extended personal or student use [1.125].

Tools & Gardening Gear: Access specialized Tool Lending Libraries for items like power washers, stud finders, sewing machines, baking pans, and gardening tools.

Adventure Backpacks: Check out curated hiking backpacks packed with binoculars, flashlights, compasses, and trail guides.

Digital Learning & Creative Studios

Online Education: Get free access to platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and digital tutoring services.

Creative Tech Labs: Utilize specialized spaces like the Octavia Lab at Central Library for 3D printing, podcast recording equipment, and free access to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Los Angeles City Library - https://www.lapl.org/

Los Angeles County Library - https://lacountylibrary.org/

Sylmar Area:

LA City Library - 14561 Polk Street, Sylmar, CA 91342 (map / directions)

LA County Library - 217 N. Maclay, San Fernando, CA 91340 (map / directions)